New investigators join South Korea's Truth Commission, aim to uncover past without repeating 'chaos'

South Korea's third Truth and Reconciliation Commission has welcomed two new investigators, Kim Hyun-jung and Ha Hyung-joo, who began their duties this week. Both bring extensive academic and professional experience to the commission's mission of uncovering historical truths. Kim, a doctor of law, previously worked as a journalist for various media outlets, while Ha, a doctor of political science, has a background in human rights investigations, including a previous stint with the commission's first iteration.

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I hear I'm good at digging up the past. People say I've gone to the perfect place.

Kim, known for her ability to "dig up the past," aims to approach her work with the mindset of being a "first author" of a grand novel that the community writes together. She highlighted her past research on historical documents, which helped clarify the true intentions behind constitutional changes. Ha, who finds satisfaction in "piecing together history's puzzles," recalled his work on significant historical events like the Busan Democracy Movement and the media consolidation under the military regime, emphasizing the responsibility he felt in confirming victim accounts and uncovering crucial documents.

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I enjoy piecing together puzzles. I'm happy to return to my former workplace.

Despite their enthusiasm, both investigators acknowledged the immense task ahead. The commission faces thousands of unresolved cases carried over from the previous term and new applications. They also expressed concerns about maintaining the commission's independence and avoiding the controversies that plagued earlier terms. "We must not repeat the 'chaos' of the past," Kim stated, underscoring the need for a smooth and unbiased investigation process.

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We must not repeat the 'chaos' of the past.